What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder marked by extreme mood shifts, energy levels and activity levels, making it impossible for one to carry out daily tasks. Also known as manic-depressive illness, the disorder involves changes, ranging from emotional lows like depression to emotional highs like mania or hypomania. While the mood episodes may vary from person to person, some individuals may not suffer from any mood swings.

The emotional high or mania brings about a monstrous flow of energy, while a depressive state can leave one emotionally dry and devoid of pleasure. Swinging between the extreme ends of the disorder can seriously take an extra toll on an individual and can impact one’s daily life.

When left untreated, bipolar disorder may give rise to risky behaviors and suicidal tendencies. However, the symptoms can be effectively managed with a comprehensive treatment involving a combination of medication and psychotherapy at certified bipolar disorder treatment centers in Los Angeles, California.

Bipolar disorder: Causes, symptoms and risk factors

Symptoms of bipolar disorder depend on the type of the mood episode and may vary from person to person and over time.

Following are some of the symptoms of a manic episode:

Restlessness

Attention problems

Drug or alcohol abuse

Exaggerated confidence

Risky or impulsive behavior

Rapid speech and racing thoughts

Excessive happiness and excitement

Following are some of the symptoms of a depressive episode:

Irritability

Insomnia

Depressed mood

Appetite changes

Hopelessness or worthlessness

Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide

Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed

Difficulty thinking, focusing and remembering

There is no single cause for bipolar disorder, but points like genetics, brain biology, personality and environmental factors like traumatic events during childhood can play a key role in giving rise to the symptoms. Some of the factors that may trigger bipolar disorder include drug or alcohol abuse, stressful period and major life changes. Bipolar disorder usually starts in late adolescence or young childhood and can run in families. While both men and women are equally likely to get the illness, women are more likely than men to get it.

Types of Bipolar disorder

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorders can be broadly divided into four types – Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder and other specified, unspecified and related disorders. All of them involve changes in mood, energy and activity levels and can range from manic to depressive episodes.

Bipolar I disorder: It is defined by manic episodes or symptoms that may last for at least seven days and are severe enough to require immediate hospital care. These episodes or symptoms may be preceded or followed by a hypomanic or major depressive episode. Unique to a manic experience is psychosis that can occur in the form of hallucinations or other illusions and may warrant hospitalization.

Bipolar II disorder: It is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, with a depressive episode lasting for at least two weeks and hypomanic episode lasting for about four days. The major difference between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder is the occurrence of hypomania. Defined as a period of abnormally and persistently heightened, expansive or agitated mood and increased activity or energy, hypomanic episodes do not hinder a person’s ability to function, nor do they induce psychotic symptoms.

Cyclothymic disorder: Those diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder essentially demonstrate some but not enough symptoms to fit a more clearly defined bipolar disorder. Also called cyclothymia, the disorder is defined by numerous episodes of hypomania and depressive symptoms for at least two years in adults and at least one year in children and adolescents.

Other disorders: The other types include disorders that do not fit into the criteria of the three main types. The symptoms include simultaneous episodes of opposite moods experienced during depressive, manic, hypomanic or mixed episodes.

Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis and treatment

Manic-depressive afflictions can present themselves in various patterns and can affect people in different ways. Both mania and depression are fueled by illogical thinking and may drive a person to make dangerous or self-inflicting decisions. It is important to seek help at the earliest sign of erratic or depressive behavior. A diagnosis by a health care professional helps rule out any underlying illness or abuse of addictive substances, if any. An addictive substance or a prescription medicine can worsen the symptoms of various types of bipolar disorders, thus, it is important for one to identify and address any underlying problem as well.

A proper diagnosis and long-term treatment of bipolar disorder can help individuals lead a happy, healthy and productive life. A comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder involves medication along with psychotherapies under the care of trained medical health care professionals. According to the NIMH, medication used for bipolar disorder include antidepressants, mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Psychotherapies used for treating the disorder involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and other therapies.

Bipolar disorder treatment at Sovereign Mental Health

At Sovereign Mental Health Group, we offer evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder and other co-occurring conditions. By offering a holistic combination of therapeutic modalities tailor-made for each individual, our evidence-based treatments are aimed at treating the disorder while reducing the risk of a relapse.

The treatment facilities of Sovereign Mental Health Group in Los Angeles, California offer a comprehensive treatment plan involving a holistic combination of medication and psychotherapy. At Sovereign Mental Health Group, we strongly believe that in addition to FDA-approved medication, psychotherapy can be effective in treating bipolar disorder. Our treatment program, offered in a compassionate, supportive and empowering environment, includes traditional therapies like CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), individual, group and family-focused psychotherapies, and experiential therapies like music, meditation, yoga and equine therapy.

Sovereign Mental Health aims to provide the best-in-class treatment programs to all those who seek our help. At Sovereign Mental Health, our services and facilities are not restricted to just treatment and recovery from addiction and mental health disorders. After the treatment, our continuing care program helps reduce the risk of a relapse by assisting patients in getting assimilated back into the society. Those looking for effective and long-lasting treatment options can call or chat with our team of consultants at our 24/7 admissions helpline number (866) 973-7164 and avail an opportunity to live a happy, productive and fulfilling life.

Sovereign Health Group is a residential rehabilitation treatment provider that has programs and services devoted to mental health conditions. To learn more about our continuum of care, speak with one of our expert treatment consultants and begin the journey to recovery today!